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Reviews
All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages by Saundra Mitchell
sabraerob's review against another edition
5.0
I love that I read Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Before We Disappear before so that I could read their beginnings in short story form here. Super bummed that Elliot Wake hasn’t written a full-length version of Every Shade of Red and seems to have dropped off the face of the literary world since 2018. Amazing collection, there wasn’t really a story I didn’t like.
graciemarie95's review against another edition
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
tiahie's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
abbymorris13's review against another edition
3.0
This was a decently enjoyable read, the quality of the writing varies between stories as is expected. This is definitely a book aimed at teens, the stories are also fictional rather than a retelling of historical figures which now includes their queerness (as I had thought from the description).
pooklatirelire's review against another edition
1/10 Reviews Written.
Overall Rating: TBA
❦ This is an anthology, so there is going to be an individual review for each short story, and overall thoughts after I finish the whole book!
❦ I don’t read enough queer books. And since I’m reading GOTSM now, I am in the mood for anthologies, so I picked this up from my library. Since Out Now is another anthology that was recently released, I guess I’ll read this! I think this is going to be better than Out Now because I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, but we’ll see!
Overall thoughts
Coming soon!
❦ Roja by Anna-Marie Mc Lemore ➵ ★★☆☆☆
»El Bajío, México, 1870 | trans mf
This story is about a Mexican folklore or story about La Roja and El Lobo. Unfortunately, I don’t have any idea what those mean because I don’t speak Spanish. The reason why I gave this 2.5 stars was because I had no idea what the heck was going on up until the last page of the story. Idk, maybe it is because I was a dumbass, and I didn’t know a word of Spanish. However, the last page actually made me tear up, that’s why it deserves a 2.5. I liked the historical setting and the relationship between a female mc who dresses like a man, and a trans man. The first half was told through flashbacks and the mc reminiscing about her past, so I wasn’t so invested until the last page. The writing and prose was very beautiful, and the author’s note did it’s job. I hope the later stories will make me like this book much more.
Overall Rating: TBA
❦ This is an anthology, so there is going to be an individual review for each short story, and overall thoughts after I finish the whole book!
❦ I don’t read enough queer books. And since I’m reading GOTSM now, I am in the mood for anthologies, so I picked this up from my library. Since Out Now is another anthology that was recently released, I guess I’ll read this! I think this is going to be better than Out Now because I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, but we’ll see!
Overall thoughts
Coming soon!
❦ Roja by Anna-Marie Mc Lemore ➵ ★★☆☆☆
»El Bajío, México, 1870 | trans mf
Now I understood what my grandmother had wanted, for me to keep my heart soft but the edges of me hard enough to survive the world as it was.
This story is about a Mexican folklore or story about La Roja and El Lobo. Unfortunately, I don’t have any idea what those mean because I don’t speak Spanish. The reason why I gave this 2.5 stars was because I had no idea what the heck was going on up until the last page of the story. Idk, maybe it is because I was a dumbass, and I didn’t know a word of Spanish. However, the last page actually made me tear up, that’s why it deserves a 2.5. I liked the historical setting and the relationship between a female mc who dresses like a man, and a trans man. The first half was told through flashbacks and the mc reminiscing about her past, so I wasn’t so invested until the last page. The writing and prose was very beautiful, and the author’s note did it’s job. I hope the later stories will make me like this book much more.
lizmbones's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
dhishfish's review against another edition
4.0
AAAAAAAHHH FINALLLY I FINISHED!!!!!!
I've been meaning to read this book since last year and it was so worth the wait.
All Out tells the stories of LGBTQ+ teens throughout history. It not only covers lesbian and gay people but also has stories on asexuality and transgender which is awesome!!!!!
I absolutely loved this anthology, especially because it's through history. The stories are set in different time periods and it's so different to the usual contemporary novels I read which made it SO GOOD!!
I love each and every story because they not only focus on the whole LGBTQ+ aspect, but also on how to accept who they are during those times.
This book is just so cute and soft and if you like 2 artsy boys falling in love in like 16th century Germany, or lesbian witches from Europe, then definitely read this!! <3333
I've been meaning to read this book since last year and it was so worth the wait.
All Out tells the stories of LGBTQ+ teens throughout history. It not only covers lesbian and gay people but also has stories on asexuality and transgender which is awesome!!!!!
I absolutely loved this anthology, especially because it's through history. The stories are set in different time periods and it's so different to the usual contemporary novels I read which made it SO GOOD!!
I love each and every story because they not only focus on the whole LGBTQ+ aspect, but also on how to accept who they are during those times.
This book is just so cute and soft and if you like 2 artsy boys falling in love in like 16th century Germany, or lesbian witches from Europe, then definitely read this!! <3333
jessicadoom's review against another edition
4.0
Roja - A beautiful retelling of a classic story laced with hidden history. I will be seeking out this author's works as I am not obsessed with her voice!
The Sweet Trade - My only complaint is that it was so short. I wished there was more action and more character development. Just a few more pages of the two girls and their adventures as pirates-to-be would have been welcome!
And They Don't Kiss at the End - It was okay. A sweet little character study, I suppose, into the mind of someone realizing they may be asexual.
Burnt Umber - AWWW. So cute. Then again, it's Mackenzi Lee and I would expect nothing less.
The Dresser & The Chambermaid - I'm finding most of these stories deal with people who are just meeting and suddenly discover interest in one another over the course of a day or so. And, although I find this to be a bit far fetched, I can't help but to love its romanticism. This story was far too perfect, but I can't say I didn't love how these two girls found each other and everything worked out for them.
New Year - This story was so far different from all the others before it that I was expecting a quick romantic twist at the end. When it didn't come, I was actually relieved. I was happy to see the story focused on a realization of existing in a world where there actually are others like you. And the insight into this lesser known bit of history was very intriguing, as well.
Molly's Lips - Throughout my teen years, all I wanted was what Annabelle and Molly shared. It was like a fantasy pulled directly out of my fucking mind.
The Coven - It was beautiful, but I can't help but feel it was unfinished?
Every Shade of Red - Okay, but...that can't be the end of it!! I demand a sequel! I haven't finished, but so far this is my favorite of the stories. I'm definitely seeking out more by this author....
Willows - I was confused at the beginning. I started to understand things in the middle. And then I reached the end and.... I just don't understand what happened at all.
The Girl with the Blue Lantern - It was a quick and beautiful story about finding home and family.
The Secret Life of a Teenage Boy - It was incredibly rushed and rash and a bit unrealistic from start to finish. But I'm glad it ended the way it did.
Walking After Midnight - I was thrilled to see the demi representation and found it to be quite cute.
The End of the World as We Know It - Wonderful - 90's callbacks and all! But what really stuck out the most for me was how much I loved Ezgi's father even from the small interaction we saw with him.
Three Witches - Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The Inferno & The Butterfly - This one was stunning! It was so different and something I never knew I wanted.
Healing Rosa - In my opinion, this lacked something like direction. The whole story felt like a secret fed to the reader in small doses, but never enough to get the full picture. The language was flowery, but perhaps a bit overly so. Kind of a lackluster end to such a great collection.
Overall, I LOVED this book as much as I hoped I would! And I gained a few authors I need to check out, so that's always a positive!
The Sweet Trade - My only complaint is that it was so short. I wished there was more action and more character development. Just a few more pages of the two girls and their adventures as pirates-to-be would have been welcome!
And They Don't Kiss at the End - It was okay. A sweet little character study, I suppose, into the mind of someone realizing they may be asexual.
Burnt Umber - AWWW. So cute. Then again, it's Mackenzi Lee and I would expect nothing less.
The Dresser & The Chambermaid - I'm finding most of these stories deal with people who are just meeting and suddenly discover interest in one another over the course of a day or so. And, although I find this to be a bit far fetched, I can't help but to love its romanticism. This story was far too perfect, but I can't say I didn't love how these two girls found each other and everything worked out for them.
New Year - This story was so far different from all the others before it that I was expecting a quick romantic twist at the end. When it didn't come, I was actually relieved. I was happy to see the story focused on a realization of existing in a world where there actually are others like you. And the insight into this lesser known bit of history was very intriguing, as well.
Molly's Lips - Throughout my teen years, all I wanted was what Annabelle and Molly shared. It was like a fantasy pulled directly out of my fucking mind.
The Coven - It was beautiful, but I can't help but feel it was unfinished?
Every Shade of Red - Okay, but...that can't be the end of it!! I demand a sequel! I haven't finished, but so far this is my favorite of the stories. I'm definitely seeking out more by this author....
Willows - I was confused at the beginning. I started to understand things in the middle. And then I reached the end and.... I just don't understand what happened at all.
The Girl with the Blue Lantern - It was a quick and beautiful story about finding home and family.
The Secret Life of a Teenage Boy - It was incredibly rushed and rash and a bit unrealistic from start to finish. But I'm glad it ended the way it did.
Walking After Midnight - I was thrilled to see the demi representation and found it to be quite cute.
The End of the World as We Know It - Wonderful - 90's callbacks and all! But what really stuck out the most for me was how much I loved Ezgi's father even from the small interaction we saw with him.
Three Witches - Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The Inferno & The Butterfly - This one was stunning! It was so different and something I never knew I wanted.
Healing Rosa - In my opinion, this lacked something like direction. The whole story felt like a secret fed to the reader in small doses, but never enough to get the full picture. The language was flowery, but perhaps a bit overly so. Kind of a lackluster end to such a great collection.
Overall, I LOVED this book as much as I hoped I would! And I gained a few authors I need to check out, so that's always a positive!
cajesp's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookish_maddie's review against another edition
4.0
All Out is a beautifully written anthology of queer short stories that represent people and identities across the LGBTQA+ spectrum. Some were, admittedly, better than others, but the collection overall was quite captivating.